TAIL ENDINGS
“It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives
and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.”
and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.”
John Grogan
“No one loves you unconditionally as your beloved pet.”
Cynthia S. Dobesh
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
Anatole France
At the Greenbrier Crematory and Pet Cemetery it’s all about love – authentic love for the four-legged creatures humans befriend during their lives.
The owners are animal advocates, evidenced by a Facebook page brimming with measures of support for a variety of germane community causes and for their staff of dedicated workers. Some of their initiatives have included an annual “Paws for A Cause” fundraiser festival, rescue management, and involvement in animal organizations. Proclamations of satisfaction and appreciation from both clients and veterinarians attest to their commitment. Formerly a kennel, in 2004 this facility was converted to provide end-of-life services specifically for pets.
Before entering the front door, one can’t help but notice the sprightly acrobatics of koi fish sloshing around in sparkling waters accented by scintillating beams of sunshine. Perhaps their rampant animation reminds visitors that life goes on, in spite of the death concerns handled beyond the entrance to the adjacent building. Maybe these creatures are agents of connotation: “Many of the attributes of the koi symbolize several lessons and even trials individuals often encounter in life. The koi fish has a powerful and energetic life force, demonstrated by its ability to swim against currents and even travel upstream.”
A rudimentary reception area is complemented by displays of cremation jewelry, especially pendant necklaces that accommodate small amounts of cremated remains.
But the main attraction is a welcoming committee comprised of a receptionist along with an attentive parrot and two dogs – one enjoying a morning snooze and the other meandering around the premises.
An arrangement room mimics those of human funeral home ilk, complete with relevant products attractively displayed on either side of a stained glass window featuring birds.
An assortment of urns is available for perusal.
Memorial stones can be chosen there, as well.
Unlike the wooden, metal, or biodegradable caskets for human remains, animal burial containment is constructed of hard plastic, in varying sizes with the option of cloth linings.
A crematory is conveniently situated next to a private visitation and viewing room where final moments can be spent with the deceased animal.
When the blinds are open, the body’s introduction into the crematory retort can be viewed through an observation window. Owners appreciate an opportunity to witness this process as a means of identity assurance.
The retort equipment looks and functions like the chambers used for human cremation.
A nearby cemetery for burial of either animals' bodies or cremated remains is part of this establishment's twenty-acre property. Human cremated remains of several owners are buried alongside their former companions. This is one of the few cemeteries where the option is permissible.
An evocative plaque greets visitors at the entrance to these grounds.
The Sunset Pavilion affords a place for contemplative remembrance and commemoration. A metal memorial photo plate bearing an inscription can be purchased in varying sizes to be affixed to its walls.
For someone’s first visit to a pet cemetery, the prospect of exploring it may be compelling somewhat because of a desire to compare its characteristics to those of human cemeteries. In what ways are they different? Actually, anyone who expects to find significant disparities is apt to be surprised upon discovering the extent of their similarities.
A new grave, freshly dug by hand, is prepared for an imminent bodily burial.
One of the owners had been the caretaker for Ryko, a police K-9 dog that Greenbrier had purchased for the department. He had arrived from the Netherlands seven years prior to his death in September, 2012, due to cancer.
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In Janurary, 2015, a dedication ceremony attended by law enforcement and elected officials was held here at a memorial garden established in tribute to him and other canine members of the Apopka K-9 unit, whose names are listed on the monument.
Though the graves are arranged symmetrically in this pet milieu, the floral adornments over them mimic those on human burial grounds. People are welcome to decorate the graves during any of the holidays, which they often do. Visitors are frequent, sometimes placing dog bones and cat treats over the sites.
One site is even graced by the presence of a fresh bouquet. 
Favorite toys are reminiscent of playful times spent together.
Facsimile statuettes serve as identity representations.
Ceramic photos are popular additions to memorial stones everywhere, regardless of the subject's species.
A memorial bench is one of many options available at cemeteries of all kinds.
"Family estate" plots are common at human burial grounds. Here, family members of a different sort may rest in peace together, as well.
The preceding pictorial overview of this cemetery’s features is comprehensive in scope for the sake of emphasizing a reality of life… and death. Pets are important to the well-being and emotional health of humans as they travel together during their earthly journeys. An animal buddy may be "man’s best friend" or at least a paramount source of interaction and pleasure.
“He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me… whenever… wherever – in case I need him. And I expect I will – as I always have. He is just my dog.” - Gene Hill
The permanence of detachment from this type of symbiotic relationship sometimes is as painful as it might be in response to human demise.
The expressions of sentiment and devotion witnessed at this cemetery blatantly announce how passionately the owners of these pets had treasured them as undeniably significant companions. The flowers, toys, photos, and solar lights garnishing memorial stones, statues, and benches on this property that’s designed specifically for animals are just like the objects on burial grounds for human beings. Their presence drives home the point that loss of a partner, whether human or animal, can trigger profound grief. In acknowledging the death of a cherished pet, memorial measures such as these may be an important aspect of the healing process.
Quotations:
from "What Do Koi Fish Symbolize?" by Sue Lynn Carty
http://feng-shui.lovetoknow.com/What_Do_Koi_Fish_Symbolize
from Pet Loss Quotes
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